Thousands left homeless, as gale wreaks havoc in PE

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 The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality says the fire that devastated over 300 shacks in the informal settlement of Chris Hani in Struandale, was brought under control on Thursday night.

Metro spokesperson, Marthie Nel says emergency services assisted residents affected by smoke inhalation.

The fire was fuelled by the gale force winds experienced in the Metro.

Nel says smaller fires in other areas have been reported, and in KwaZakhele, 20 shacks were burnt down.

She says up to 2000 people, who were left homeless, were accommodated in a community centre and a primary school.

Nel says the wind speed reached a maximum of 179 km/hour on Thursday.